Like many of you, I tend to push myself to the brink on a daily basis. For me, life it up early, to bed late and as busy as possible in-between. After a while, such a lifestyle can really get to you, but I make sure to snag a catnap every day and I don’t know what I’d do without it.
As it turns out, I’m not alone in my love of napping. People all over the world take naps, and in some areas, they are almost mandatory. Animals also join in on the napping scene, and it doesn’t matter if you are talking about your dog and cat or if it is a lion in the jungle, naps take place regularly.
Because of my love of naps, I was elated when I learned exactly what my daily catnap was doing for my body. As it turns out, naps not only make you feel good while you are taking them, they can also have a positive effect on your physical and emotional health. Here are some of the many benefits of napping.
1. Sharper Cognitive Functions
If you don’t get enough sleep at night, you are not going to be on top of your game the next day. That much is known by all.
As it turns out, napping also affects our abilities to learn and assimilate information. A longer nap of 60 – 90 minutes can boost mental performance for up to 24 hours!
2. Heart Health
According to the fine people at Harvard, people who nap on a regular basis are less likely to have heart problems latter in life.
A lack of sleep can be rough on the heart but a nap can make up for the deficit.
3. Reduce Stress
When you are tired, it can lead to stress, which leads to being more tired. Napping can help to ease the stress when it rears it’s ugly head.
A 2012 study showed that multiple stress hormones spiked when people didn’t take a nap.
4. Food Cravings
Being tired and low on energy makes us want to reach for the nearest source of sugar, typically, junk food.
Napping daily can take away your desire to snack and helps to build up your energy stores.
5. Physical Performance
You might think napping is the opposite of working out but studies show otherwise. Athletes who take naps perform better than those who don’t.
How To Nap Better
Tip 1. Set a Timer
A nap may vary from 5 to 45 minutes, depending on your needs. Try experimenting with different times and then set a timer so you don’t oversleep.
Tip 2. Afternoon Naps Rule
The best time to nap seems to be about midway through the day, in the afternoon. It may also be better to nap after eating lunch or a light snack.
Tip 3. Optimize Conditions
The best napping area is cool and dim. Do not make things too dark or you might slip into a deep sleep.
Keep covered with a light blanket to stay comfortable and try to elevate your health.
Tip 4. Nap Accessories
When you accessorize for you nap properly, you will find you are napping better.
Bring a timer (or your cell phone) and drink a cup of coffee or tea BEFORE you take a nap. The caffeine will kick in at the end of the nap. If things are too bright, wear a mask.
Some people nap with a coin or a pencil between their fingers. The thought is, you will wake up when your fingers relax and the item drops.
Tip 5. Get Enough Sleep
Sleeping is not optional. It is as important for your health as food and water. Unfortunately, most people don’t get enough sleep.
Naps are great but make sure you are sleeping at night as well.
Via: Little Things
Please share this important information with your friends and family on Facebook. Give them permission to take a nap.